Why is freedom of speech a good thing?
Because people can express their opinion with little fear of authorities clamping down on them, or imprisoning them even when they are speaking the truth. Where freedom of speech does not exist, opinions are suppressed and so are many people’s rights. If they try to speak out against their treatment they may be punished. In places that have freedom of speech, people can criticise authorities and governments, without that fear. Without freedom of speech people are often afraid to say what they really think. Others may share their opinion, but nobody talks about it, in case they are overhead by someone who will let authorities know.
